Wat Phra Kaew inside the Grand Palace is one of the most beautiful architectural structures you might ever see. Mad Monkey tip: Wat Suthat is but a 20-minute walk from Mad Monkey Bangkok. The temple is also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The admission fee to Wat Pho is 100 Baht. Rather than put together a long list of the citys temples, Ive compiled my suggestions for the best temples in Bangkok for a visitor. Wat Mahathat has become a popular place to learn Vipassana Meditation, with some classes taught in English. Along with serving as important areas for ceremonies and communal living spaces, they are also often stunningthe more outlandish the wat, the more likely its visitors will be blessed in their next lives. Local Thais come here every day to pay their respects, to pray, to make merit. Learn how your comment data is processed. Mad Monkey tip:Wat Saket neighbours Mahakan Fort, one of two forts that are still on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Location: 158 Wang Doem Road, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand Phone: +66 (0)2 891 2185 King Rama VI, King Rama VII, and King Bhumibol Adulyadej were also ordained at the temple, making it a significant place of patronage for the Chakri Dynasty. Those interested in therapeutic massage can book a spot before arriving to avoid a long wait. Tourists can visit this magnificent structure and appreciate its beauty while enjoying the peaceful ambiance. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The giant red swing, as its name suggests, stands at over 21 meters tall. Thanks! Located in Bangkoks old city, Wat Saket, also known as the Temple of the Golden Mount, is a must-visit temple with breathtaking views of old Bangkok. The fare is fixed at 15 Baht. Wat Mahathat Yuwarajarangsarit (not to be confused with Wat Mahathat of Ayutthaya city) is one of the oldest temples in Bangkokand a mouthful. The Royal Temple of the Emerald Buddha, also known as Wat Phra Kaew, is one of Thailands most important temples. Thank you. It was built by King Rama III and features a large, inverted, bell-shaped chedi, a turtle mountain with spirit houses, and a pond filled with turtles that visitors can feed. The temples impressive chedi, modeled after the famous Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom province, contains relics of Lord Buddha, while the surrounding area has numerous Buddha images in different postures. Location: Off Chakkraphatdiphong Alley At the Grand Palace a girl beside me wasnt allowed inside because she wore ripped jeans. The temple buildings are adorned with hand-painted glazed Thai-style ceramics and ornate, gilded door and window frames. Marvel at Wat Phra Kaews gold leaf & jade decor, 3. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Wat Arun Wat Arun Ratchawararam, also known as the "Temple of Dawn," is a beloved Thai Buddhist temple situated on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. Wat Benjamabhopit is slightly further away from the centre where many of the main temples are, but its worth heading over to have a look and wander around the accessible parts of Dusit Palace too. The 4,000kg (8,800 pound) elephant was airlifted to Chiang Mai in a specially-built steel cage, accompanied by four Thai handlers and a Sri Lankan zookeeper. But after I have looked around at the decoration, its the other people who are here that I find just as interesting. The level of variety among Bangkok temples is staggering, but there are those that are unique for one reason or another, boast a higher level of cultural significance, or are just plain interesting. She writes about solo-backpacking, traveling on a budget, travel hacking, etc More? The first is around Silom. Also, when google maps tells you itll take 10 minutes, it actually means 20. Inside, youll find numerous marble inscriptions on medicine and history meant to impart knowledge to the public. Its usually used in the official name. The temple sits at the very beginning of Yaowarat Road, the main stretch of street that occupies the infamous Chinatown. The red and golden roof looks like many of the other temples in Bangkok, for instance, but then there are also stained-glass windows, which is not common. Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan (Phu Khao Thong) Location: By Khlong ( Canal) Mahanak, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok. I stayed in Khaosan and the closest was Phra Athit Pier just 10 minutes away by foot. Prang: A prang is the tall spire in the centre of an important temple that is used in some styles of architecture. Although it is a royal palace, no member of the monarchy has lived here since 1925. [] If you only have a few days in Bangkok and cant decide on which temples to visit, follow this guide 5 Temples in 1 Day, A DIY Travel Guide [], Your email address will not be published. The 21 Best Temples in Bangkok (2023) - Global Castaway Buddhism is intertwined with the culture of Thailand, an important part of daily life in a way that always seems more harmonious than burdensome. The other main area for accommodation in Bangkok is around Sukhumvit. Finally, swing by Wat Benchamabophit known as the Marble Temple. It is located on the east side of the Chao Phraya river. The swing still stands today, though it has been replaced a few times since these rituals took place. Once the sun sets, these architectural marvels stand out in full splendour against the cityscape. The Buddhas four-meter-long feet are encrusted with exquisite mother-of-pearl decorations, and visitors can drop coins in the 108 bronze bowls for good luck or have their fortune read, though it will be in Thai. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena told his parliament in June that he had conveyed his regret to the Thai king Maha Vajiralongkorn over Muthu Raja's alleged abuse and was able to "re-establish trust between the two countries". Buddhism is an important part of Thailand culture. King Rama IV, who was previously known as Prince Bhikku Mongkut, served as the first abbot of the temple in 1836. AUD - $ Turn Down for Wat: 25 Bangkok Temples You Shouldn't Miss Wat Intharawihan is a temple in Bangkok that's known for its giant standing Buddha. Theres no better party hostel in Bangkok than the Slumber Party Bangkok in Sukhumvit. Wandering through them, youll eventually find the staircase that leads up to the higher levels. About eight million tourists visit both the palace and the temple each year, so be sure to add this stunning religious structure to your itinerary while travelling in Bangkok. A Night Tour of Bangkoks Glistening Temples, Marvel at Wat Phra Kaews gold leaf & jade decor, Visit Bangkoks Chinatown to see Wat Trimitr, Make Wat Prayoon a stop on your scooter tour, Watch Bangkoks Temples and Streets Come Alive After Dark, Journey to Bangkoks Iconic Temples in the Moonlight, Visit Three Buddhist Temples and Sail the Quiet Klongs, Experience Bangkoks Street Food at Night on an E-Scooter, Book your Bangkok night tour tickets here, Book your Bangkok temple tour tickets here, Book your Three Temples Klong tour tickets here, Book your e-scooter night tour tickets here. Fees: 100 (approximately $3.10) for the museum, 40 (approximately $1.30) to see the Golden Buddha If youre looking for other Thai temples to visit, I highly recommend checking out some of the best temples in Chiang Mai, as well. Its also one of the largest temples in Bangkok, with the complex filled with colourful stupas and grand halls. Read about our approach to external linking. The temple also houses the first Thai massage school, the Traditional Medical Practitioners Association Center, which is located in a shophouse outside the temple. Welcome to This World Traveled! This ancient temple was built during the Ayutthaya period and used for royal ceremonies due to its strategic location between the Grand Palace and the Royal Palace. Loha Prasat, a renowned Bangkok temple located near the Democracy Monument and Wat Saket, is a unique architectural wonder. You can come here to learn things like Vipassana meditation, with English-speaking monks often helping in the classes. 24 Must-See Temples in Bangkok Bangkok's Most Important Temples and Wats Content Wat Phra Kaew Wat Pho Wat Arun Wat Saket Wat Traimit Loha Prasat Wat Mahathat Wat Suthat Thepwararam Wat Prayoon Wat Benjamabhopit Bangkok's temples are a unique part of the capital's heart and soul. The courtyard features 156 Buddha images and is more stunning than the inside of the temple, making it a great photo opportunity for visitors. Location: On Tri Mit Road in Chinatown So of course youre not going to want (or have time) to see all of them. A cool funky hotel in Silom is the W Bangkok. There are so many more temples I wanted to see while I was thereI also didnt get to take as many photos as I would like either! King Rama IV even invited Pallegoix to preach Christian sermons in the temple. When you visit Wat Arun, youll realise theres much more than just the prang, with corridors of Buddha statues, chedis covered in intricate tile art, and lavishly decorated halls. Its most striking features are the giant golden Buddha and the well-preserved red murals adorning the walls and ceilings, painted by famous historic artists Thong Yu and Pae Khong in the early 19th century. The Wat Phra Kaew temple complex also features a walkway with a series of paintings depicting the Hindu Epic Ramayana. Located in Thonburi, not far from the Royal Barges Museum, Wat Suwannaram started life as Wat Thong during the Ayutthaya period but briefly served as an execution site for Burmese prisoners. 1. Each statue sits in a different powerful mudra, showcasing a variety of hand and body postures that are considered sacred. The chapel and library are also open to visitors on the historic grounds. Once you go through what looks like a shopfront, a huge temple complex reveals itself with a courtyard of shrines, the main hall flanked by statues of guardians, and then pavilions filled with more activity. When Bangkok became the capital of Thailand in 1782, the new King Rama I began construction of the Grand Palace alongside the Chao Phraya River. Select Preferred Currency The 29-year-old Muthu Raja arrived in Thailand on Sunday on a 19 million baht (425,000; $540,000) commercial reparation flight. Your email address will not be published. Wat Phra Kaew was named this because it houses the renowned Emerald Buddha, one of the most highly revered structures in all of Thailand. Check out these Bangkok travel guides for more info on the coolest attractions and things to do in the city. But go inside you should. Iza Sanchez is a freelance ESL Teacher, adventurer and moderator of Take The Travel. Top 10 Temples in Bangkok, Thailand - 2023 - BANGKOK TOURISM GUIDE There, you'll find a gigantic white chedi shaped like a bell and containing Buddha relics inside. THB - Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Unlike some of the other temples in Bangkok, Loha Prasat has fewer tourists, making it an excellent spot to visit after a busy day exploring the citys streets. But, with some will power and dexterity you could manage to squeeze in one or two more temples into your agenda. The temple houses the oldest higher education institute for Buddhist monks in Thailand, making it an important center for the study of Buddhism and meditation. This temple is also home to Loha Prasat Temple, which is equally if not more stunning than Wat Ratchanatdaram. As the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm, so start out as early as you can. Standing about 65 centimeters tall, the statue is considered the protector of Thailand, and only the king and the crown prince are allowed to touch it. Wat Pho. The museum provides a fascinating insight into the rich cultural history of Thailand, which is worth the visit in itself. Hours:Daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. IDR - Rp One, Chasing lighthouses in Maine! Its red gilded roof and majestic frame always caught my eyes when I traveled along Nakhon Pathom Road. It houses dozens of Buddha statues lined around an immaculately white courtyard. Muthu Raja was in pain and covered in abscesses when removed from the temple last November, The surprising benefits of breaking up. When I visit Wat Phra Kaew (also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) in the complex of the Grand Palace, its the grandeur of its interior that first captures my attention, dark murals covering the walls and the small emerald Buddha at the end. Therefore, wear long pants and put on something with sleeves. Riding long-tail boats is a fantastic way to get around in Bangkok. You can also explore the ordination hall and admire the Buddhist paintings. To enter the temple and museum, there is an entry fee of 100 THB, which includes the museum, and an additional 40 THB for the golden Buddha. The temples white buildings are adorned with colorful mosaics, and its gardens and turtle pond provides a tranquil atmosphere. The ordination hall beyond it is also a huge structure with another large Buddha statue, this time with about 80 statues in front of it depicting worshippers. Of that astounding number, hundreds are in Bangkok alone. Visitors will find many Buddhist paintings, a library, and a chapel on the grounds of this majestic temple. Click here, " Travel is never a matter of money, but of courage." The temples stunning prang, a Khmer-style tower, is covered in colorful porcelain, tin-glazed pottery, and seashells that were added over the years, some of which were designed especially for the temple and others which were taken from the ballast of boats arriving from China. Think pavilions, spires, and stones made from jade and gold leaf that look even more dazzling at nighttime. Outside the temple, visitors can find a gigantic amulet market with numerous vendors offering a range of amulets, charms, and talismans. You can see more information in my story about visiting Wat Pho, including details about the impressive ordination hall, which is another highlight of the temple. There are more than 40,000 wats, or temples, in Thailand. Fees: 50 (approximately $1.50) Want more information on Thailand? The entrance fee for Wat Suthat is 100 THB, and opening hours are from 8:30 am to 9 pm. Updated January 15, 2021. Mad Monkey tip: In addition to the second temple, there is also a quaint coffee shop found on the grounds of Wat Ratchanatdaram. Animal rights groups allege it was made to work with a logging crew in the temple, adding that it developed a stiff leg from a long-neglected injury. Activists claim its handler inflicted some of those wounds. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Be sure to cover your shoulders, chest, and ankles when visiting. To enter Loha Prasat, visitors must pay a ticket price of 20 THB, and the temple is open from 8 am to 5 pm. Theres some variety here, but I think it covers most of the highlights. King Chulalongkorn collected these statues and presented them to the temple as a gift. Though it is called the Emerald Buddha, it is believed that the statue was actually carved from a single block of jade. The temple itself is raised off the ground, and you walk up some stairs to see inside. Ive marked them on a map here, so you can get a sense of where they are in relation to other things you might be visiting in Bangkok. Bangkok's wildlife department said it is monitoring the condition of Thai elephants already sent overseas. Visually impressive and spiritually momentous, each is well worth visiting. Location: On Bamrung Muang Road near Democracy Monument Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Exploring some of Bangkok's temples is a fantastic way to get an insight into the heritage and culture of Thailand's capital. They are adored by locals and loved by visitors, so we at Mad Monkey have compiled the top temples you should visit in Bangkok. Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wat Suthat is one of Bangkoks most memorable temples. Its free to enter from 8 am to 6:30 pm. Just as the palace is still the royal heart of the city, so are the surrounding temples still among the most eminent. Most of these are free to enter, so theres really no reason not to. Iza Sanchez is a freelance ESL Teacher, adventurer and moderator of Take The Travel. Watch: Neglected Thai Elephant flown home from Sri Lanka. These cultural exhibitions are both worth visiting in addition to seeing the giant golden Buddha. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Bangkoks temples can be small, they can be large. To see this page as it is meant to appear, please enable your Javascript! Mad Monkey tip: For those of you wanting to get an even more unique perspective of Wat Arun, Arun Residence is a delicious restaurant in which to visit and watch the sun go down over the majestic temple, as well. An easy temple to visit if youre staying in Silom, Wat Hua Lamphong is a popular spot for locals who want to make merit, with a large number of stalls around the main building giving the atmosphere of a market. In addition to the iconic Buddha statues, the temple is also home to a royal cemetery that houses the remains of King Ramas relatives. Make Wat Prayoon a stop on your scooter tour. If you have a full day to check these out, I highly recommend doing that. There, youll find a gigantic white chedi shaped like a bell and containing Buddha relics inside. Click here to learn more , Where to Go for the Ultimate Thai Getaway, Bangkok 101 A Backpacker's Guide | | Take the Travel, Visiting Animals Asia Vietnam Bear Sanctuary Thoughts & Tips, 10 Attractions You Must See in Aurora, Baler, The Best Way to Travel to Your Destination, Hit The Beach In Style With Some Seaside Essentials, Massage Therapy: A Vital Part of Travelling for Business, Make The Most Out Of Your First Backpacking Experience, Top Tourists Spots at Melbourne, Australia, Prep for Your Epic Camping Trip in New Hampshire. From Wat Arun drop in at a nearby temple called Wat Kalayanamitr, again you can walk there, but if its too hot ride a tuk-tuk or a cab (always negotiate fares with tuk tuk drivers). Its this interaction between the sacred and the spectacle that makes it even more significant. There is also a 14th-century Buddha statue and elaborately carved doorway arches and windows in gilded stucco. Why not hop on an e-scooter and explore more of the citys storied landmarks? The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Although the Thonburi Kingdom lasted for just 14 years, a royal palace was built there and, in its ground was Wat Arun. The 29-year-old Muthu Raja arrived in Thailand on Sunday on a 19 million baht (425,000; $540,000) commercial reparation flight. USD - $ VideoThe surprising benefits of breaking up, Presenter photo claims are clear crisis for BBC. -Confucius. Its hot in Thailand with temperatures ranging from 29C to 36C. Then, let your tired feet take you to a spa where you can enjoy a soothing Thai massage as you dream of your adventures for the next day. Then, something from the majestic section will offer you a different style of temple with some impressive visuals. It is just a few steps away from the Temple of Dawn and the Chao Praya River. At the heart of the temple is the Emerald Buddha, which is displayed at the top of a pedestal at the back of the main hall. If you are a group of 2-3 its cheaper to take a cab. Muthu Raja was in pain and covered in abscesses when removed from the temple last November, AFP reported. Best temples in Bangkok to visit in 2023 - majestic and weird The best temples in Bangkok Thailand From the majestic and famous, to the weird and the local, these are the best temples in Bangkok to visit. The Wat Traimit temple is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, and visitors can spend as long as they like exploring the various levels and admiring the intricate details of the temples architecture. I hope that through my blog I inspire you to get out and explore our beautiful world too! Situated on the grounds of Wat Ratchanatdaram, it is also known as the Metal Castle and is considered one of the rare temples with a roof made of bronze tiles. Standing at 80 meters tall, the bell-shaped chedi houses Buddhas relics. Must-Visit Temples of Bangkok for First-timer's Itinerary Fees: 500 (approximately $15.50) Despite the additional charge to view the statue, it is worth the cost to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the golden Buddha. Incorrect email or password. And for the ultimate luxury, I would recommend going across the river to the beautiful Peninsula Bangkok. Not-to-be-missed high li ghts: One of the famous high li ghts of this Temple is its spiral staircase of 344 steps. The main central prang of the temple stands about 80 metres tall and is dedicated to Phra Phai, the wind god. Make sure to wear full clothing while visiting temples in Bangkok and dont feel offended if asked to cover uplocal people are often asked to as well. Wat Prayurawongsawat Other temples worth seeing Where to eat in Bangkok What to do nearby Bangkok hotels More Thailand travel tips About temples in Bangkok, Thailand I spent about two hours at the Grand Palace obsessively photo documenting everything, but you can explore the entire site in just about an hour. . During the reigns of King Rama I and King Rama III, it underwent separate restorations, giving it its current name and design. Admission to the Royal Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace is 500 THB, and you can visit Wat Phra Kaew from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. If you are interested in learning about Buddhism and meditation or looking for unique souvenirs, Wat Mahathat is an excellent place to visit in Bangkok. Its located south of the Grand Palace, so essentially it should be your next stop. The boats arrive every 5 to 8 minutes. Ordination Hall: Also called an ubosot or bot, the Ordination Hall is usually the main building in a temple and is where ceremonies are held. This explains the small burial site you will come across as you make your way to the top of the temple. The temple sits atop an artificial hill and is known for its massive golden chedi, called the Golden Mount, which rises high above the rest of the temple grounds. The Buddha is 32 meters tall and one of the tallest in Bangkok. It was not housed in Wat Traimit until the 1930s, and it is estimated that the statue is worth more than $250 million. A password will be sent to your email address. Mad Monkey is Southeast Asias leading hostel operator born in Cambodia with more properties in Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Laos, and the Philippines. The palace in which the temple and the Emerald Buddha reside is split up into three sections. RARE has also petitioned for authorities to prosecute those responsible for the elephant's neglect. 2023 BBC. First off, take note that Thailand like most Asian countries is conservative, and in places of worship, wearing clothes that reveal too much skin is considered disrespectful. If youre looking for a fun backpacker option, then I would suggest HQ Hostel Silom. Entering Loha Prasat from the bottom level, youll be confronted with a grid of passageways between columns that can be a bit disorienting. The complex of the Grand Palace on the eastern bank of the Chao Praya River has been the official residence of the kings of Siam (Thailand) since the 18th century. Temples in Bangkok: the top ones you Should Visit Muthu Raja was placed in the care of a temple in the south of the country. The gold coins, however, hung some 15 metres in the air, and it was almost impossible to reach them. It houses Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temple, Wat Phrae Kaew . The main attraction of Wat Traimit is the 5-meter-high and 5.5-ton solid gold Buddha statue seated inside the temple, which is the largest of its kind in the world. Mad Monkey tip:Wat Traimit also houses the Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center and the Phra Buddha Maha Suwanna Patimakorn Exhibition. In addition to the giant Buddha, the temple is also home to one of the old massage schools in Bangkok. I hear you! Admission fees to lower level temples are cheaper. Visitors can take a peaceful walk around the temple grounds, feed the fish, and visit the magical tiny library on stilts that sits in the center of a pond. Some of the largest ones are, just by the virtue of their size, majestic in appearance. Named after a monastery in India where Buddha is believed to have lived, the Wat Pho temple complex is located next to the Grand Palace and features hundreds of Buddha statues and Buddha images, as well as colorfully-decorated chedis and murals that cover the walls of many of its walkways. Surrounding the main hall are cloisters that you can walk along to see the other structures and sculptures that have been built within the temples walled area. Wat: This is a Thai word that means temple or monastery. Buddhist temples in Thailand (orwat) are complexes made up of a number of religious structures and living quarters for monks. The temple is also known as Wat Suthat Thepwararam, and it is found in Bangkoks Old City. Bangkok - 5 Temples in 1 Day, A DIY Travel Guide Considered one of the best temples in Bangkok, its towering spires and gorgeously intricate mosaics are best admired through an evening cruise making for a truly spectacular photo. This list of the most epic temples in the city will help you plan your visit to them, so read on! Located on Rattanakosin Island within Bangkoks old city walls, Wat Bowon Niwet is one of the most significant Buddhist temples in the city, as well as an important site for Thais due to its ties with the Thai royal court. Top 7 Enchanting Temples In Bangkok As you know pictures don't do justice to the beauty and spirituality these temples hold, but if any of them strike a chord with you, then do include these famous temples in Bangkok in your itinerary 1. . This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. One of the most memorable of them all is Wat Arun. Look for a pier close to your hostel. Along the way, you will pass a number of noteworthy sites, including Democracy Monument.